PP

Quite interesting.

I don't think there's any doubt the name came from Ali Baba. The earliest printed version of the story I could find (including those done for plays etc.) in the British Library is dated 1820. By then, the tune was already codified as a "standard" for English dances ... see Page 184 of Wilson's "The Complete System of English Country Dancing" (pub. March 7th 1820) for example.

The plays, as far as I can see, came somewhat later (possibly after the story was included in Burton's "Arabian Nights" in 1850). Certainly all of the major literary quotes (e.g. Dickens' "Hard Times" Chapter 2, 1852) postdate Burton. No information is not negative information, however, and Malcolm could well be right ... it would make good sense.

:-)